Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart

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Points of Pride 2012-13

  • Over 400 students come from 26 school districts and from more than 44 middle and elementary schools from throughout Western New York.  In the Class of 2016, 27% of the students are from public school, 8% have a sister who attends SHA, and 26% have a mother, sister, or grandmother who is a SHA alumna.
  • The 91 members of the Class of 2012 were awarded more than $15.1 million in academic scholarships and awards to some of the top colleges and universities across the country.
  • Nine brand new state-of-the-art classrooms opened in September 2012 housing English and LOTE (Language Other Than English) departments with a portable language lab.  Technology features include PUCK, an interactive computer system which fosters collaboration amongst students and increases innovation by sharing digital information in small groups.  Sacred Heart is the first high school in WNY to house this exciting technology.
  • Sacred Heart is ranked the #3 high school overall in Western New York (out of 133). Our percentage of students graduating with Advanced Designation Diplomas (90%) places SHA in the top 2% of all ranked schools. In addition, SHA's Regents passing rates in 2012 in the following subjects were 100%: English, US History and Government, Integrated Algebra, and Global History and Geography. Nearly 98% of all Regents exams taken were passed and more than 57% were at the "mastery" level.
  • Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum includes thirteen Advanced Placement and college courses, in addition to Regents and Honors classes.  We offer four LOTE languages (Chinese, Latin, French, and Spanish), and a wide range of electives in technology, music, fine art, and dance.  Over 60% of the Class of 2012 took one or more AP classes.  Students can also take courses through the Online School for Girls.
  • Yevette Angel '81 was hired as Athletic Director.  Ms. Angel, a former college basketball standout at Ohio State University, as well as a WNBA player, previously coached at the University of Notre Dame and San Diego State University.
  • Linda Cimusz was appointed Director of Academics in November 2011.  Ms. Cimusz was most recently Assistant Superintendent for Instruction with the Williamsville Central School District.
  • Seminar provides instruction in study skills (9th grade), critical thinking (10th grade), standardized test taking strategies and ACT and SAT preparation (11th grade), and individualized college guidance including the application process with Naviance, an online service (12th grade). In addition, SHA is part of a pilot program statewide for a Safe Dating course which will be offered to all 9th graders.
  • Leadership Studies is included at each grade level and includes instruction and hands on learning in essential leadership skills, communication and presentation activities, interviewing, and developing and implementing a leadership project.
  • Twenty-six seniors were a part of SHA's selective Career Internship Program in 2011-12.  Placements included Hauptman Woodward Institute, Albright-Knox Young Curators Program, Daybreak Productions, SUNYAB Department of Pediatrics, and Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.  This selective program prepares students for real life work experience.
  • SHA offers 22 team and club level sports to ensure student involvement and physical well-being.  During 2011-12, SHA's basketball and softball teams were the Monsignor Martin League Champions in their respective sports .  Student athletes went to state competitions in swimming, golf, track, softball, and basketball.  In addition, physical education classes have units in self-defense, yoga, and cardiovascular wellness.
  • Students can participate in a wide variety of clubs including Amnesty International, Cooking for a Cause, Life Skills, Yoga Club, Drill Team, Diversity Club, Film Club, Couch to 5K Club and Ski Club (sponsored by St. Joe’s), as well as a musical and a drama.
  • The Learning Center (TLC) at Sacred Heart Academy is run by Dr. Qian (Anna) Sun and offers academic support to students of all grades. The TLC supports and reinforces all learning styles in a comfortable, nurturing environment.  Assistance with writing, organization, presentation skills, note-taking, and study skills is also available to help students transition to college preparatory coursework.
  • Footprints Service Program: A school wide program that builds a life-long sense of commitment to serving others. In 2011-12, our students donated more than 18,000 hours of their time to volunteer, an average of 45 hours per student. The annual Day of SHAring is our unique school-wide day of service during which 500 plus members of the school community serve at 50 sites throughout Western New York volunteering thousands of hours.
  • Meredith McCaffrey ’13 is a National Merit Semi-Finalist, one of only 29 students in WNY to earn this honor, based on her outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. She is now in competition to be a National Merit Finalist. In addition, Catherine Deck ’13, Jordan Keenan ’13, Emily Ludwig ’13, and Abigail Sullivan ’13 were all named Commended Students by the National Merit organization.

Facilities

  • Classes are housed in a beautiful, architecturally significant four-story main building, built in 1928.
  • Students enjoy a completely renovated Library/Media Center with rooms for distance learning, small group instruction, and study.  Laptops and wireless Internet access are available for student use, along with a fine print collection.
  • Two state-of-the-art science laboratories serve SHA’s Biology/Chemistry and Earth Science/Physics classes.
  • The computer lab features a new computer network with 1,000 mb processing speeds, a wireless Internet network, and computers for student use, including 21 newly purchased Hewlett Packard computers.  Additional technology includes classroom SmartBoards to fully integrate curriculum with advanced technology and information.
  • Nine brand new state-of-the-art classrooms opened in September 2012 housing English and LOTE (Language Other Than English) departments with a portable language lab.  Technology features include PUCK, an interactive computer system which fosters collaboration amongst students and increases innovation by sharing digital information in small groups.  Sacred Heart is the first high school in WNY to house this exciting technology.
  • Clare Hall, adjacent to the main building, provides offices for SHA’s Advancement Staff.
  • The Chapel, adorned by a beautiful stained glass window of the Sacred Heart, is a place of quiet reflection to which students may retreat for prayer and meditation.
  • The Learning Center is a fully dedicated and equipped space to provide faculty and peer tutoring to all students requesting academic assistance.
  • The SHA auditorium seats 700 for Academy assemblies, liturgies, theatrical productions, and other events.
  • SHA Hall is a complete workout center for physical education classes with treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, Nautilus machines, and free weights.
  • The fully equipped SHA gymnasium is used for physical education classes and for athletic team practice and competitions.  In addition, SHA partners with several local schools and townships to obtain additional practice facilities for its athletic teams, including Clearfield Tennis Courts, Grover Cleveland Golf Course, the Pepsi Center, Thruway Lanes, University at Buffalo Rotary Field, and Villa Maria Athletic Center. 
  • The SHA cafeteria has seating for 200, with dining service provided by Personal Touch.